Land Use Planning

- Overview      - January 2011 Information Flyer      - November 8, 2010 Public Forum      - Public Forum Presentation      - Proposed Land Use Map 2.18.2011      - Benefits      - Citizen Role in the Planning Process      - Process & Timeline      - Survey      - More Information      - Introduction to Land Use Planning

Overview

Land use planning is used to direct the development of land for the betterment of the entire community. Different types of land usage that are addressed in the planning process include: intensity of land use, investing in utility and public infrastructure, designating green space and parks, and preserving the character of the downtown. It is important in allowing residents to be proactive in bringing about a shared vision instead of just reacting to unwelcome changes. Beyond preventing unwelcome land uses, it is used to implement community development policy and protect public and individual investment and property values.

• Who? — The City of Casey & Casey citizens

• What? — Developing a plan for land usage based on a shared vision of the future of the community

• Where? — Throughout the City and within 1.5 miles of city limits to allow for future development

• Why? — To give citizens control over the future of the community, to protect property values, to manage growth efficiently and attract development

• When? — Over the next 6 months, with the issue going on the April referendum

• How? — Through community and legal input,  analysis, and public forums

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November 8, 2010 Public Forum

The City of Casey held a public forum to invite additional input, comments and questions on the land use planning process and map on Monday, November 8, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Casey-Westfield High School Media Center. The Mayor and Council members were present to discuss the land use planning process and the proposed map with residents, as well as address concerns and share thoughts on the future of the community.

This public forum and land use map came about as a direct result of the land use planning surveys residents completed earlier this fall. Areas of shared community concern that became apparent through survey analysis included community cleanup, rental properties, interstate development, industrial growth, parks and sidewalks, and the future of downtown Casey. We have addressed many of these issues in our proposed land use map and will address them more fully if the community chooses following the spring referendum. The Downtown Improvement and Economic Development Committee would like to thank the residents of Casey for taking the time to share their thoughts on land use planning through the land use surveys, the website and their comments.

For more information, please take a look at the presentation from the public forum here. For those of you who were unable to join us Monday night to see what all of our ideas have come together to create, but would like share your thoughts and questions, please feel very welcome to contact your Aldermen, or the Economic Development Office at nweigand@mchsi.com or (217) 932-4074.

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Benefits of Land Use Planning

• Helps protect property values
• Preserves community integrity and character
• Allows residents a say in long-term, future development
• Encourages business and residential attraction
• Allows a community to control its own growth
• Enables efficiency in  public infrastructure planning
• Protects the environment, history and other community assets

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Citizen Role in the Planning Process

• Voice your opinion throughout the process in the planning surveys, at public forums and hearings, and through contact with community organizations.

• Keep informed—read the newspapers and visit the City website.

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Land Use Planning Process & Timeline 

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For More Information:

• For more information on Comprehensive Planning, visit the University of Illinois Extension Local Community Resources page.
• If you have questions or concerns about the land use planning process, please contact your Aldermen or Nicole Weigand in the economic development office at (217) 932-4074 or nweigand@mchsi.com.

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Introduction to Land Use Planning - July 16, 2010

Casey is a unique and special place, evidenced daily by the endurance and fellowship rooted deeply in our community. People pull together to overcome challenges, create safe places in their neighborhoods for children to congregate and play, support each other in efforts to succeed and in times of hardship. Our sons and daughters return home for our festivals, remain vested in the well-being of the community and celebrate our shared history.

Now we are working to plan well for our future. We are coming together to define and share our visions for Casey in the long-term through the comprehensive planning process. We are investing in a development tool box to ensure that our future is as meaningful to residents as our past. The tool we are developing now is land use planning.

Land use planning is used to direct the development of land for the betterment of the entire community. It is used to implement community development policy and protect public and individual investment and property values, as well as to prevent unwelcome land uses. Different types of land usage that are addressed in the planning process include: intensity of land use (agriculture, for example, is low intensity while industry is much higher), investing in utility and public infrastructure, designating green space and parks, and preserving the character of the downtown. It is important in allowing residents to be proactive in bringing about a shared vision instead of just reacting to unwelcome changes.

One example of how communities have implemented land use planning is vertical zoning – or downtown buildings that have retail stores on the first floor and apartment complexes above that. Other communities have focused on drawing office uses into their downtown districts. Still others have centered development around historic preservation.

Zoning has become a hot button word in many places. Some fear it is another method of government intervening in individual land use rights or a ploy to raise taxes. However, the fact is that land use planning is defined by community residents, with public input sought, welcomed and incorporated in every step of the process. This means the plan belongs to the community and is used to preserve its character and value.

Owning property is the largest investment many of us will ever make; we owe it to ourselves to ensure that the value of that investment is not lessened by factors beyond our control, such as deteriorating nearby properties and industrial development in our backyard. Land use planning protects the private citizen.

Having a land use plan also makes the community more attractive to potential businesses because it gives a clear and concise understanding of community regulations and parameters, eliminating a good deal of grey area and red tape to locating in the community. It also helps attract new residents because having a land use plan in place helps protect property values – a benefit of tangible importance to existing residents as well.

However, what we do now is actually a tool for the future. Whatever plan we develop together will not change objectionable land uses that already exist. Current land uses presently in conformance with other local, state and federal ordinances are grandfathered in, because we simply cannot expect to put a new plan in place and have all of our past issues melt away. Over time, though, as properties change hands or existing buildings deteriorate, new development will be expected to coincide with the community’s vision. Land use planning will not require you to redo your property. It will not raise your taxes. It will not tell you what color to paint your house. What it will do is protect your investment in your property and in this town and help preserve the character of the Casey you know and love. This is your opportunity to have a say in your future, and to pass on a healthy community to your children.

In your utility statements this month there will be a land use survey designed to allow you to define your neighborhood, express your voice, and think long-term about the future of your community. What should our downtown commercial district look like? Where should there be open space? Where should future development occur? Please take the time to let us know your thoughts and return these surveys with your utility payment.

Surveys will be collected and analyzed throughout the months of August and September. This is only the first opportunity residents will have to discuss their thoughts, concerns and ideas. There will be public forums to discuss different land use planning scenarios, public hearings at City Hall, and ultimately a vote on April 5, 2011 through which citizens can share and express their ideas about the plan and process. You can also contact the economic development office at (217) 932-4074 or nweigand@mchsi.com with questions, and visit the City website.

Doing something positive to affect the way change happens is our prerogative – and failing to plan is planning to fail. Casey has a community-wide attitude of caring about its people and its future. Let’s carry that initiative forward to protect the character of this community for generations to come.

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